Category Archives: Uncategorized

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DDOT Plans for North Carolina Avenue NE Bike Lanes Draw Resident Opposition

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 22, 2021

Last Monday, ANC6A’s Transportation Committee, chaired by resident member Maura Dundon, hosted a meeting with DDOT, joined by more than 100 residents.  The event was billed as a listening session to hear community concerns regarding DDOT’s plans for installing bike lanes on the 1300 block of North Carolina Avenue, NE, connecting Lincoln Park and the RFK Fields/Anacostia River Trail.   

DDOT says the goal of the planned installation of some 10 miles of protected bike lanes on DC Streets is part of a larger project to make DC carbon neutral by 2050.  That will entail making 75% of all trips in the city by walking, biking, or by transit; currently DC is at about 50%.  

An official DDOT Notice of Intent for the North Carolina Avenue project will be issued in the fall, triggering a 30 day response period, during which time ANC6A is expected to officially weigh in with a recommendation.  Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2022.  

DDOT has three proposals for redesigning the street, but out of deference to resident demands to preserve as much parking as possible, the focus appears to be on two:  Alternative B and C (above) – both providing one way west-bound car lanes and two-way protected bike lanes.  Both versions preserve parking on both sides of the street, but change the car traffic from two-way to one-way. 

Nearby residents have put forth their own proposal, which was presented by resident Delancey Gustin, who cited support from 220 residents.  She called it a data-driven compromise featuring two-way car lanes, road humps to slow westbound traffic, a dedicated bike lane in the westbound direction, and a sharrows (a shared vehicle/bike lane) in the eastbound direction.  The residents want to add their plan to the alternatives being considered by the city.   

DDOT’s response to the proposal was curt – with representative Will Handsfield saying that they were  not going to expand the current trial of sharrows throughout the city.  DDOT has reviewed the proposal and will not consider the plan, having found it does not provide an adequate level of protection for bikers on the corridor.  

Commissioner Amber Gove, Chair of the ANC, said she believes we can get to a design that preserves parking.  She said pedestrian safety is a priority and DDOT is giving us an opportunity to do that: “Let’s fight for a design that’s beautiful and turn it into a neighborhood street.  Let’s ask for what we want.  Slower speeds.  But also fewer people in cars.”  Slowing westbound morning traffic, much of it from day-commuters, was a prominent concern mentioned by the residents as not adequately addressed by any versions put forward by DDOT.

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Future of Used Book Sales at Southeast Library in Jeopardy

By Larry Janezich

Posted July 20, 2021

Unless more storage space for donated books is provided by the team designing the $23 million renovation of the Southeast Library, the Library’s popular monthly used book sales may have to end, according to the Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL).  The group organizes the sales and says that current plans provide only 125 square feet for storage – some 75% less than space provided for Friends’ organizations in other libraries. 

In an email to regular book sale patrons FOSEL appealed to members of the community to join DC Library’s virtual community meeting on the Library renovation at 6:30pm on Wednesday, July 21, to express support for more space for FOSEL.

The purpose of the community meeting is to show the latest designs to the community, hear updates on project schedule and regulatory review, and provide an opportunity for feedback.

To join the meeting, go here: 

https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=eb785d47d8c8ee5eab11ebbeb2f78f329 – If prompted, type the password “dclibrary”.

According to FOSEL President Neal Gregory, “The monthly sale of used books is the most popular event at Southeast Library, drawing hundreds of residents on the second Saturday of each month.  Most of the books are priced at a dollar, with proceeds going to promote reading and to support children’s library programs.

Sales were suspended during the pandemic.  Since the monthly sales began a decade ago, thousands of books have been donated and sold, raising almost a quarter million dollars.” 

The current library is closing at the end of 2022 when the renovation will begin.  The renovated library will reopen in the spring of 2024. 

Update on the 6^th Street Underpass Mural Restoration Project

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 19, 2021

Volunteers continue the work of the restoration of Byron Peck’s Piet Mondrian style murals on the walls of the 6th Street, SE, underpass which began in mid-June.  The effort was initiated and is being led by ANC6B Chair Brian Ready who says he expects work will be complete by the end of August.

Ready is looking for volunteers (no experience necessary) to help; work sessions on are on Saturday mornings from 9:00am until 11:00am.  Those interested in participating in the project can email Ready at www.anc6b.org

Support from Jim Guckert and Guerilla Gardeners https://bit.ly/3xcJ51P brought volunteers and funding from the Awesome Foundation.

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The riskier preparation work being undertaken by Joseph Kondrot.

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The Week Ahead…ANC Highlights…Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Highlights:

• Monday: ANC6A Transportation Committee hearing on bike lane installation for North Carolina Avenue, SE.
• Wednesday: DC Public Library hosts community meeting on renovation of Southeast Library.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, July 19

ANC6A Transportation and Public Space Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For information on joining the meeting go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion of 1300 block of North Carolina Avenue, NE, bike lane installation options by Will Handsfield, DDOT Bicycle Program Specialist. DDOT is currently considering what type of bicycle facility to add to the 1300 block of North Carolina Avenue as part of its high priority bicycle network, and to ensure continuity between the C Street project (under construction) and the rest of the city’s bicycle network. This includes consideration of different options for directions of placement of car traffic and bicycle traffic lanes, including conversion to one-way vehicle traffic, as well as consideration of car parking.
• For more on DDOT’s North Carolina bike lane installation options, go here: https://anc6a.org/wp-content/uploads/TPSA0721.pdf
• Installation of raised crosswalk at northernmost crossing of 15th Street, NE. and Tennessee Avenue, NE. (adjacent to Miner Elementary).
• Discussion of adding a standing TPS agenda item to review pending Traffic Safety Assessments and past-due 311 sidewalk requests on a regular cycle.

Wednesday, July 21

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For information on joining the meeting go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 1300 I Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application re Modification of Consequence to previously approved plans to add a penthouse enclosure, including a staircase, and roof deck.
• 810 C Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application – review of a project for the renovation and a 10 foot addition, add third story to two-story building, and reconfigure façade’s windows and door openings to an existing two-unit row house with conversion to a single family row house in the Historic District.

DC Public Library will host a virtual community meeting on the Southeast Library Modernization Project at 6:30pm. 

This will be a virtual meeting via WebEx. Please use the link below at the time of the meeting to join:  https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=eb785d47d8c8ee5eab11ebbeb2f78f329  

If prompted, please use the password “dclibrary”.

Among items on the agenda:

• Latest design.
• Update on project schedule and regulatory review.
• Public feedback.

Learn more about this project at https://www.dclibrary.org/southeastlibraryrenovation

Saturday, July 24

Free Walking Tour, Mary McLeod Bethune Statue on Saturday, July 24.

• The Ward 6 Democrats are sponsoring a free one-hour tour of the Mary McLeod Bethune Statue in Lincoln Park. Capitol Hill Professional Tour Guide and Author Robert Pohl will lead the tour, weather permitting.   Meet at the Bethune Statue at 9:45am.  Several of Bethune’s descendants plan to join the tour. Sign up here:  https://bit.ly/3Au8ki3

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Hamza – your host at Bodegon. Over his shoulder, “suits of light” worn by matadors add to the atmosphere.

Two New Barracks Row Restaurants Now Open: Bodegon and Crazy Aunt Helen’s

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 16, 2021

Bodegon Tapas – brought to Barracks Row by brothers Joe and Moe Idrissi who own of Bodegas in Georgetown – is in the middle of a weeks-long soft opening.  Your host, Hamza, says a grand opening is still a ways off on a date TBA.  The restaurant is at 515 8^th Street on Barracks Row in the space formerly occupied by Medium Rare. 

The owners, in partnership with Ben Kirane, are long-time restaurateurs behind a number of Georgetown outlets, including Rialto, Maxime, and Thunder Burger and Bar.  

Here’s a link to their website and the food and drink menus:  http://bodegondc.com/

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Crazy Aunt Helen’s – in what was formerly Finn McCool’s at 713 8^th Street, SE – opened last  Wednesday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu focusing on American comfort food.  Chef Mykie Moll – of the now closed Pom Pom – will rule the kitchen

Crazy Aunt Helen’s is the vision of owner Shane Mayson – a veteran of 30 years in the hospitality business – who started his career as an 18 year old waiter in Mr. Henry’s on Capitol Hill. 

Crazy Aunt Helen’s will operate initially from Wednesday to Monday, serving breakfast 7am – 11am, lunch 11am -4pm, and dinner 5pm to 9pm. 

You can check out the menu here:  https://www.crazyaunthelens.com/

 

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Here’s a view looking north on South Capitol Street.

ANCs 6D & 6B Push Back on Plan for SW Residential Project with No Affordable Housing

By Larry Janezich

Posted July 15, 2021

Monday night, ANC6D pushed back hard on a proposal for a 13 story 130 foot apartment complex at the intersection of South Capitol Street and I-695 that would provide no affordable housing units. 

Matthew Tsao of DC based developer W.C. Smith revealed the company’s plans for a development at 850 South Capitol Street, just south of the freeway.  The presentation was informational but was required before the company files a Zoning Application for design review.  The Zoning Commission has regulations for projects on the major arteries leading to the Capitol Building.  The company will seek support for the project from ANC6D and ANC6B in September and a Zoning Commission hearing in the fall. 

The unusual configuration of the parcels upon which the project will sit extends under the freeway and overlaps the boundary of ANC6B, making them an affected ANC and giving them a voice in the Zoning Commission process. 

Under the regulations for development of parcels designated D-5 high density zoning, affordable housing Inclusionary Zoning requirements do not apply.  Otherwise, 10% of the project’s floor space would have to be reserved for affordable units.  That there will be no affordable housing in the project is an issue for the ANCs.    

The developer  plans to coordinate construction with the planned rebuilding of South Capitol’s 695 on ramp which fronts the length of the proposed building’s west façade.  But that project is 4 to 6 years away.  The developer explains the long lead time for getting the project authorized and permitted in terms of the lengthy Zoning Commission’s process.  But another factor might be a pending proposal to apply Inclusionary Zoning regulations to developments on high density D-5 parcels.  It is unclear if or when that proposed regulation might become law.     

ANC6D Chair Edward Daniels told the developer that “affordable housing is a huge issue for us”.  He cited other concerns, including the challenge of construction on an unusual site, limited pedestrian access into the site, lack of retail in the project and the focus on rentals when the community needs fabric-building home ownership.  Commissioners Weiss, Bossi, Collins, Kramer, and Hamilton all indicated or explicitly said they could not support a project with no affordable housing.

ANC6B heard the developer’s presentation on the project on Tuesday night.  Commissioner Denise Krepp castigated the developer for not including affordable housing; ANC6B Chair Brian Ready urged them to look into affordable housing even if it’s not required.  Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Corey Holman said that he expects ANC6B to follow the lead of ANC6D and support their push for affordable housing,  noting that 6D has done a good job insuring affordable housing in projects where no affordable housing is required.  He added, “In general we support as much affordable housing as we can get.”

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First District Commander Morgan Kane Gets Promotion and a New Job

By Larry Janezich

Posted July 14, 2021

Today, MPD Chief Contee announced the creation of the Technical and Analytical Services Bureau (TASB) to oversee all information technology services, as well as research and analytical services used to support policing operations and public safety practices.  Former 1^st District Commander Morgan Kane – promoted to Assistant Chief – will oversee the new bureau.  In addition to technology management the bureau’s research and analysis staff collects, analyzes, and disseminates intelligence throughout the department.  TASB will also encompass the Records Division,  providing services like fingerprinting, gun registration and background checks.

Kane will be succeeded at the First District by Commander Ralph McLean, previously a Captain within the Narcotics and Special Investigations Division. 

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ANC6D Blisters DC Circulator Re Changing Eastern Market/L’Enfant Plaza Route

by Larry Janezich

Last night ANC6D did not hold back in its criticism of DC Circulator’s proposal to eliminate the Eastern Market/Barracks Row portion of the bus service to L’Enfant Plaza via M Street and extend the route from L’Enfant to Mt. Vernon Square.  In doing so, it joined ANC6B’s more measured opposition to cutting the Eastern Market/Barracks Row section of the route last week.  ANC6D went further both in rhetoric and in action, opposing ANY change in the current service.    

Commissioner Andrew Bosssi made the motion to oppose changing in the route, saying that L’Enfant Plaza was already well connected to Mt. Vernon Square by bus service and lamented the loss of a connection to Eastern Market for Southwest residents.  He said a one-seat ride to Eastern Market and Barracks Row was critical to those who live in Southwest. 

Commissioner Andy Litsky opposed both the proposal and the process, noting that Mayor Bowser attended last month’s virtual ANC6D meeting where transportation issues were central to the discussion and a handful of days later, DC Circulator put forward this proposal without  notice.  He termed DDOT’s skipping consultation with the ANC “nonsense – not the way to approach a route change”, adding “The Mayor should be ashamed … the Circulator needs to be preserved the way it is.  I hope the Mayor embraces the ANC’s recommendation”.

Commissioner Rikki Kramer termed the proposal “outrageous” saying she had heard from constituents opposed to the route change.  She noted that DDOT’s agenda “is not usually aligned with resident’s needs”.

The motion to send a letter opposing the route change passed unanimously, 7 – 0. 

Here’s a link to the DC Circulator Transportation study:  http://www.dccirculator.com/tdp2020/   (See pages 114 – 116).

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The Week Ahead – ANC Highlights – and Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 11, 2021

Highlights:

• Tuesday: ANC6B likely protest of a retail liquor license for Sip Wine & Spirits, 1100 K Street, SE. 
• Tuesday: ANC6B – letter to DDOT opposing Circulator Plan to change Eastern Market/L’Enfant Plaza Route.
• Wednesday: ANC6C – Presentation:  Folger Library construction update—Abbey Fagin, Chief Advancement Officer. 

The Week Ahead….

MONDAY, JULY 12

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For info on joining the meeting, go here: https://www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Presentation: Public Safety Report- First District MPD (PSA 103, PSA 105 & PSA 106), Lendia Johnson, MPD 7:14 16 Min.

ABC Committee

• Courtyard Marriott. Class B 25% and Stipulated License Application. 
• Chicken & Whiskey, 1015 Half Street, SE. (Details lacking, but presumably an application for a restaurant liquor license.)

Development, Planning, and Transportation

• DC Circulator, Resolution Opposing to Cuts to Ward 6 Route.
• 695 Residential Project.
• Lot 662 MRP Project, Public Space Application.
• Comments on HCD, Affordable Housing, 30%, 1530 1st Street, SW.

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/32nPs4K

Agenda not available at press time.

TUESDAY, JULY 13

ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3wyO5MM

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Presentation: US Representative Dr. Oye I. Owolewa, RPh – Bank Negligence Resolution.
• Presentation: DMV Representative/Director – tentative.

Alcohol Beverage Control Committee

• Sip Wine & Spirits, 1100 K Street, SE. Application for a retailer’s Class “A” Liquor Store license.   
• Kaiju Ramen Bar, 525 8th Street, SE. Application for a retailer’s Class “C” Tavern license.
• La Casina DC, 327 7th Street, SE. Application for a retailer’s S.E.: Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license.  Note: This will be a request to extend the Petition Deadline to September 17th due to ANC 6B’s August Recess.
• The Ugly Mug Dining Saloon, 723 8th St SE. Request to change/update the existing settlement agreement.
• ABRA Letter regarding the proper procedure to request a deferral of an applicant’s protest petition deadline and maintain the right to protest the establishment if the applicant does not agree to the deferral or the ABRA Board denies the request.

Planning and Zoning Committee

• Friendship Chamberlain Campus. 1345 Potomac Avenue, SE. Review of Concept Public Space Plans to add garden, public art, new signage, fence replacement, and outdoor classroom.
• 607 E Streets, SE. Historic Preservation Application. Concept: New second-story read addition and adding new windows on side yard.
• 232 10th Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application and Historic Preservation Application.  Concept:  three-story rear and roof addition, roof deck, remove garage. 

Transportation and Public Space Committee

• Letter to DDOT opposing Circulator Plan to change Eastern Market/L’Enfant Plaza Route.

Bylaws update to allow for hybrid virtual and in person meetings.

Wednesday, July 14

ANC6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on joining the meeting, go here: https://bit.ly/32nPs4K   

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Presentation: Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, homeless encampments—Kevin Pham
• Presentation: Folger Library construction update—Abbey Fagin, Chief Advancement Officer
• Presentation: C. Office of Human Relations—Ajan Brown
• Presentation: National Night Out, August 3—MPD rep, Lendia Johnson

 Transportation and Public Space Committee

• 1133 North Capitol Street NE, streetscape between Pierce and M Streets, NE.
• Georgetown Law Center, alley bridge near 2nd and E Streets, NW.
• 713 Maryland Ave NE, parking in public space.
• Temporary bicycle lanes around the Capitol, neighboring ANCs also affected
• Parking for Capitol Hill Montessori School at Logan; G, 2nd, and 3rd Streets NE
• No turn on red at North Capitol and Massachusetts Ave NE

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

• 220 H Street, NE. PUD modification to allow affordable housing units.
• 55/75 New York Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Animal boarding use, ground floor; nightclub, bar, or restaurant in a penthouse; mixed use building. 
• 7/9 New York Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Loading berth, penthouse height requirements, raze existing 3-story building to construct a 14-story apartment and penthouse. 
• 899-999 North Capitol Street, NE. Zoning Application.  Mixed use, residential and ground floor retail.
• 622 Eye Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Conversion of a residential bldg. to a 4-story apartment plus relief from 10 ft. limit on extensions past the rear wall of adjacent residential building.

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Ball Park Circulator Wants To Move Eastern Market Bus Stop to the Blue Castle

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 8, 2021

Last night, ANC6B’s Transportation Committee considered a proposal in the Circulator’s 2020 Transit Development Plan that would eliminate the Barracks Row portion of the Eastern Market to L’Enfant Plaza and move the bus stop to 8th and L Streets SE – the NE corner of the Blue Castle.  The Plan also suggests extending the Circulator route from L’Enfant Plaza to Mt. Vernon Square.  Here’s a link to the study:  http://www.dccirculator.com/tdp2020/  (See pages 114 – 116)

As might be expected, Capitol Hill riders depending on transportation to and from the Wharf/Ball Park and businesses depending on traffic to and from Southwest are unhappy with the proposal to truncate the route.  According Ken Ken Jarboe – former ANC6B commissioner and current Capitol Hill BID representative – the extension of the route to Mt. Vernon Square has been contemplated for some time, but cutting the route short on the Eastern Market end “came out of left field”. 

Circulator planners say the move would boost ridership on the underperforming route and that riders from Eastern Market to SW would be accommodated by the Circulator which transverses Barracks Row on the way to Anacostia and a transfer to the L Street – Mt. Vernon Circulator. 

Jarboe says that idea undercuts the marketing of the “one seat ride” from Eastern Market to the Wharf and the Ball Park. “How that increases ridership is beyond me”, he said, adding that the proposal was “not thought through very well.’  He noted there had been no study of shortening the route and that Circulator does not have the data to justify the move.  Jarboe noted, that if this is locked in now, it will move forward.

Originally, Circulator was open to comment through June 25.  At the request of ANC6B and others, CM Charles Allen prevailed on them to extend the comment period until the end of July, affording ANC6B time to weigh in.  Jarboe said the Capitol Hill BID has already commented with a letter, the gist of which is “Please don’t do it”. 

Chair Kirsten Oldenburg moved that the Committee recommend to the full ANC that they write a letter to Circulator officials in opposition to eliminating the Barracks Row leg of the route.  That motion was agreed to 9 – 0.  A second motion urging a study be undertaken of ways to make the Circulator turnaround at Eastern Market more efficient was agreed to 8 – 0 – 1.

The recommendation will be considered by the full ANC6B at its virtual meeting on July 13.